U.S. Marshals arrested 27-year-old Steven Smith today in Cleveland in connection with the 2024 killing of local rapper Carlos Banks, according to the agency. Smith was taken into custody at a home in the 15900 block of Invermere Avenue, law enforcement said. Banks, 28, who performed under the name KashBankx, was found shot inside an apartment at 5115 The Rising in the Slavic Village neighborhood on Dec. 29, 2024.
The arrest was carried out by a U.S. Marshals-led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Marshals said, as reported by Cleveland 19. The station noted that Cleveland EMS pronounced Banks dead at the scene and that he had amassed thousands of followers under the name KashBankx.
Investigation stretched back to December 2024
Banks' death prompted an extended homicide probe after officers found him suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside his apartment at 5115 Broadway Avenue. Hoodline previously covered the killing and early reaction in its report on the fatal shooting.
Earlier arrest and indictment in the case
An earlier suspect, 25-year-old Devon Jones, was arrested in January 2025 in Pennsylvania and later indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on multiple counts, including aggravated murder, prosecutors said, per News 5 Cleveland. Prosecutors allege Jones and other unknown men planned to rob Banks and that a woman was kidnapped to gain entry before the attack, according to that reporting.
Friends remember a different voice
Community journalist Jaylyn King, who interviewed Banks multiple times, told reporters "he was one that stood out" and that "he touched and influenced so many people," News 5 Cleveland reported. Fans and fellow artists have shared tributes online since the shooting, underscoring Banks' rising profile in Cleveland's music scene.
It was not immediately clear from the report whether Smith had been formally charged in Cuyahoga County. Cleveland 19 did not list charging or extradition details. Cleveland police say the investigation remains active and are asking anyone with information to contact the homicide unit.
